How to clear upper lip melasma? (photo)

Question

I have melasma on my upper lip and can't seem to exfoiliate it away or get rid of it, tried IPL it helped but didn't complete, also my face doesn't go in the sun. Only fake tan if I need colour and even that shows up the "moustache" really bringing me down dealing with this, ANY treatment with proven results please advise. I'm devastated by this, it's so ugly and unfeminine... thank you so much

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question, Melasma needs a combination approach to get the best improvement and will need a series of treatments. In our practice, we combine Clear + Brilliant, peels, microneedling/PRP, Aerolase, and sometimes Erbium (Cool Laser) to get the best results. See an expert for a formal evaluation. Best, Dr. Emer

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Hello, Melasma is a condition which requires multiple steps and treatments to effectively improve the condition consistently over time.  In our office, here are steps which are effective:
-Pico lasers- The best type of laser for improving the condition.  Please note it takes multiple steps to improve melasma safely
-Nd:YAG Nano lasers with toning- Here a laser is used for deeply resistant melasma to break up particles without generating excessive heat
-Melanage peels- A variety of peels can work and melanage is one of the best for melasma
-Skin topicals- A variety of products including use of lighteners (we prefer natural lighteners such as arubtase found in our product Luminoso) as well as sunscreens can help improve the condition
-Lifestyle choices-Avoiding the sun, hormonal changes (we have a hormone expert in Dr. Chughtai in our office) can all impact melasma.
While melasma is common, patients must understand a multi pronged approach is often the best strategy and controlling this condition.
Best, 
Anil Shah MD

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Start with Melarase AM and Melarase PM creams followed by Clear and Brilliant laser to help with the pigmentation on the upper lip.Best, Dr. KaramanoukianLos Angeles

David Stoker, MD · Answer

One of my favorite treatment options for melasma is Cosmelan.  It is a treatment regimen that uses Hydroquinone and Retin A to target this stubborn pigment.  An in office evaluation is best to create a patient specific treatment regimen for your particular melasma.Best of luck

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

I recommend that you apply the appropriate creams to the entire face. 
Cysteamine is a strong agent and may cause hypopigmentation especially in daark skin.

Melasma treatments are lifelong and should be tailored for each patient.
Melarase is a great regimen to add or a Brightening Kit in its entirety.
I also recommend that you add one of two of these oral supplements for pigmentary control: Scler-X PIH Relief Complex from VenaSmart or Pigmentation Correction Complex from KareSkin.
You will need wide spectrum UV protection with SPF 30+ sunblock as well. 
H Karamanoukian MD FACS

Joseph Doumit, MD · Answer

I would recommend consulting a dermatologist and doing a chemical peeling with glycolic acid. It is normally a good treatment for melasma, multiple sessions may be necessary . Good luck.

David E. Berman, MD (retired) · Answer

the pico laser is a new and expensive laser that can do a great job in greatly improving and even getting rid of your hyper-pigmentation. What makes it so special is that it is 1000 times faster than any other laser.  - this means there is very, very little redness. you can treat your face, neck, declotte, hands and arms. david berman md

Davin Lim, MBBS, FACD - Account Suspended · Answer

Melasma can not be completely cured, however effective treatment are possible. This is because your skin is extremely sensitive to UV and even the smallest amount can stimulate your pigment cells to produce colour. The mainstay of treatment is strict UV protection- hats, sunglasses and SPF every 4 hours.

I prefer to use a combination of creams and laser for melasma. Hydroquinone can be used (5-8%), along with vitamin A creams. I usually start my patients on laser (low dose Q switch or Picosure) a few weeks after they commence on creams. Another laser I use is the Clear and Brilliant in the Permea setting combined with creams.

In some cases I combine glycolic AHA peels, and in other cases I use a tablet called Tranexamic acid to help. Melasma treatments should be tailored to each patient.

All the best, Dr Davin Lim. Laser, surgical and aesthetic dermatologist. Brisbane, Australia

How to clear upper lip melasma? (photo)

Answers (8)

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